High Cholesterol Doctors in Charlotte
Looking for a high cholesterol doctor in Charlotte? High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, so a blood test is the way to know your levels. Our primary care providers in Charlotte check your cholesterol, explain what your numbers mean, and help you lower your risk of heart attack and stroke with lifestyle changes and medicine when you need it.
- ✓ Most high cholesterol is treated by a primary care provider
- ✓ Cholesterol tests drawn in the clinic and sent to the lab
- ✓ Statins and other medicines adjusted at follow-ups
- ✓ Blood pressure and diabetes managed in the same office
- ✓ Two Charlotte clinics, open 7 days a week
- ✓ Referral to a heart specialist when you need one
Apply online, and we call you within 1 to 2 business days to book your first visit at Steele Creek. Need labs or a medicine refill? Walk in to either clinic.
On this page
What your numbers meanWhy treat itGetting testedWho is at riskHow we treat itWhen to call 911Become a patientInsuranceOur clinics
What your cholesterol numbers mean
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver. A cholesterol test measures LDL, the “bad” cholesterol that can build up as plaque in your arteries, HDL, the “good” cholesterol that can lower your risk, and triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood. These are healthy levels for most adults age 20 and older:
| Test | Healthy level for most adults |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Less than 200 mg/dL |
| LDL (“bad”) cholesterol | Less than 100 mg/dL |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | Less than 130 mg/dL |
| HDL (“good”) cholesterol | 60 mg/dL or higher is best. Less than 40 mg/dL for men, or less than 50 mg/dL for women, is low |
| Triglycerides | Less than 150 mg/dL is normal. 150 to 199 is borderline high, and 200 or more is high |
Source: MedlinePlus, Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know
If your risk of heart attack or stroke is higher, for example because you have diabetes or heart disease, your provider may set a lower LDL goal. Your provider explains your results and what comes next.
Why treat high cholesterol, even if you feel fine
High cholesterol has no symptoms. Over time, high LDL cholesterol builds up as plaque in your arteries. The CDC says this narrows your arteries and blocks blood flow to and from your heart and other organs, which can lead to:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Source: CDC, About Cholesterol
Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. The good news: a simple blood test shows your numbers, and treatment helps lower your risk.
Getting your cholesterol checked
- No symptoms: high cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms, so a blood test is the only way to know.
- How often: most healthy adults every 4 to 6 years. More often if you have heart disease, diabetes or a family history of high cholesterol.
- Fasting: you may need to fast for 8 to 12 hours. Your provider tells you whether to fast. Taking diabetes medicine? Call us before fasting.
Source: CDC, Getting Your Cholesterol Checked
Every lab test starts with a provider visit, and you can walk in to either clinic. Our annual physicals include a review of which screening labs are appropriate for you.
Who is at risk for high cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- A diet high in saturated and trans fat
- Not enough physical activity
- Smoking
- A family history of high cholesterol, including familial hypercholesterolemia
- Getting older
Source: CDC, Risk Factors for High Cholesterol
How your high cholesterol doctor plans treatment
| Step | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Your labs | A cholesterol test (lipid panel) is drawn in the clinic and sent to Quest. Some routine results may return by the next morning; timing varies by test and processing, and our staff calls you about next steps. See lab work. |
| Your overall risk | Your provider looks at your cholesterol together with your blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking, age and family history to see your risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| Lifestyle | A heart-healthy eating plan, weight management and regular physical activity. These still matter if you take medicine. |
| Medicine | Lifestyle changes help at every stage. Depending on your cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk, your provider may recommend a statin or another medicine alongside those changes. |
| Follow-ups | We recheck your labs after starting or changing a medicine, then at your regular visits. Either clinic works. |
| Specialists | If your cholesterol stays high on medicine, or a family form of high cholesterol is suspected, we’re happy to find you higher-level care with a heart specialist. |
Source: MedlinePlus, Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know
High cholesterol often comes with high blood pressure or diabetes. We manage them together in one office. See all the chronic conditions we manage.
When to call 911
- Chest pain, pressure or discomfort, which may spread to the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort, or other possible heart-attack symptoms such as a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
- Signs of a stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking
- Anything that seems life-threatening
Source: American Heart Association, Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Become a patient for cholesterol care
Apply online, and our team calls you within 1 to 2 business days. Your first visit is an annual physical at our Steele Creek clinic, where your provider reviews your history, medicines and labs. After that, follow-ups can be at either clinic.
Our primary care is for adults. Children should see a pediatrician for cholesterol screening.
Insurance
- Copay: paid at your visit.
- Coinsurance: collected at your visit.
- Deductible: if you still owe part of your deductible, we bill your insurance first, then send you a bill for the rest.
Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and TRICARE East. We don’t take HMO plans tied to one doctor or hospital system.
Medicare: Original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans.
Check with your insurance plan about your coverage, including for lab tests. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Our clinics in Charlotte
| Clinic | What’s here |
|---|---|
| Steele Creek | 2114 Freeman Park Dr, Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28273. (980) 880-5588. First visits (annual physicals), follow-ups, walk-ins. |
| Plaza Midwood | 2017 Central Ave, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28205. (704) 731-8656. Follow-ups and walk-ins. |
| Hours (both) | Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm |
Apply to be a patientCome in today
Sources
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine): Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know
- CDC: About Cholesterol
- CDC: Getting Your Cholesterol Checked
- CDC: Risk Factors for High Cholesterol
- American Heart Association: Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation. Your provider sets the cholesterol goals that fit your health.
Related care
Chronic careHigh blood pressureDiabetesPrimary careLab workAnnual physicalsMedical weight loss
Updated
Related care: Thyroid testing and ongoing thyroid care.
